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Kaiser Reich

Kaiser Reich

Kaiser Reich

SS Runes Daggers & Swords

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SS Dagger

SS Dagger

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1936 Model Chained Dagger (Item SSDAG 1-1)

DESCRIPTION: Here is a textbook example of the most beautiful and exciting dagger of the and the Third Reich just like the one pictured in Thomas Wittman’s book Exploring the Dress Daggers and Swords of the German SS at page 122. This dagger has never been cleaned and is equipped with the type II chain. (”It’s right out of the woodwork,” as they say!!!) direct from the U.S. veteran who brought it back. It still has the bright fittings in perfect condition. The chain, however, is in need of a polishing in our opinion as it is again perfect with nice clearly defined runics and skulls that grimace at you with good dental work! The grip is the fine ebony colored one. The scabbard has the fine anodized finish that is so desirable in these 36 models. This was the beautiful blued surface found on the better examples. Some of the weapon producers preferred to use it although most of the type IIs are found with painted scabbards. Now! the blade! It is of the finest condition of any we have ever had or seen. It’s totally unblemished with just a hint of rust and fairly visible markings from running in and out of the scabbard (near mint!!!). The type II cloverleaf snap clip is solid with no see-through exposing a ‘DRGM’ logo as it should be. However, the spring clip at the back of this cloverleaf is missing as it is on so many of these. As it should be the type II chain is produced of solid nickel-silver metal. The runes and skull is of slightly smaller dimension than is found in the type I, but remain highly detailed for the background on the chain assembly. See Wittman’s book on page 134, for a real inside perspective. The Kulturzeichen or intertwined runes appearing on the upper reverse link (the Siegrune link) is a somewhat lighter stamping than on type I daggers. The grip is all intact and has no gouges or noticeable abrasions. It is very important to note that all the fittings are of matching brilliance as far as the throat, boot, and middle band. Always consider this when getting ready to invest in a 1936-model dagger. Many that have been offered on other sites have been mixtures! The scarcity of daggers as fine as this one should be duly noted. We attended the 2008 show in Louisville, Kentucky in the last part February and there were hundreds of tables of wonderful items displayed with dealers from many parts of the world showing various daggers and swords. However, with all these booths and tables only 3 1936 model SS daggers were available and I bought two of them of which this described dagger is one of them. Practically every dealer and collector in this field was there yet only three 36s were there. This is fast becoming the practically impossible item to find yet the number 1 most desirable. We have to pay so much for one now when found that there is hardly any profit in the end. But true to our sense of dedication to the promise to bring you the best of Third Reich relics at all times. We feel compelled and obligated to present at least one of these elusive treasures for as long as it's possible at all. This dagger will not last long on our pages as it is a prime, beautiful example. The price is quite reasonable although such daggers in this shape are priced for much more in Germany and other European locations. If you ever wanted one of the best Mod 36 daggers, here is a rare opportunity.

 

PRICE: SOLD

 

Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger

Model 1936 Dagger
Wotan Knot
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Back side
Model 1936 Dagger
"Kulturzeichen"
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Dagger
Model 1936 Chained SS Officer's Dagger (Item SSDAG 1-2a)

DESCRIPTION: Here is the typical type (2) dagger used by SS officers it is the most popular of all N.S. weapons enjoying vast admiration and desirability in the WWII collecting field. This is a more than excellent example with the much sought after anodized scabbard. This one has an excellent- plus blade. It is a type two with the solid background to the top loop or as it is sometimes referred to as “Wotan’s Knot.” This would be unlike the type one where the DRGM shows partially under the knot's surface. This was actually an improvement. The SS proof stamp is sharp on the two up links of the chain. This is called the “Kulturzeichen.”  The skulls and runes are of generally smaller dimension than on the type 1 and their background is artificially blackened to bring out the design.  Another improvement was the bevel trimmed links at the place where the chains meet the knot this provides more flexibility to the chains movement while being carried.  The link detail is exceptional throughout. The eagle and the SS button on the grip are of the aluminum type and stand out boldly. The cross guard and top grip guard are in great shape. These are of the solid nickel silver early variety while the scabbard top and boot are nickle plated. This is quite normal and completely accepted. Thomas T. Wittman in his book “Exploring the Dress Daggers of the German SS" on Page 130 says, “Needless to say, the mismatch of metal types can often cause concern with collectors as the natural reaction is to assume all metal parts should be uniform. During periods of transition it also possible to find daggers with nickel silver cross guards, nickel scabbard throat plated chain, ramp and upper fitting, and either plated or in actual nickel silver including the scabbard throat and ball." This is the case here and it looks great and obviously 100% correct.  These chained daggers are getting more and more scarce and to find one like this example is extremely rare!  And to find one in this extremely beautiful condition for this ultra reasonable is “stupendous”.  It won’t last long on our pages at this price so if you want the ultimate SS-NS relic, here is your chance.

PRICE: SOLD

 

1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger

1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
Wotan Knot
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
Kulturzeichen lightly stamped
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
Beveled links
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
Possible old repaint
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
The Chief!
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Dagger
1936 Model Chained SS Officer's Dagger (Item SSDAG 1-2b)

DESCRIPTION: Here, in all its glory, is a great example of a SS officer dagger with the chain of alternating skulls and SS runic symbol links. This is a typical 2nd model piece with type (2) fittings all sound and beautiful. The ebony grip is fitted well to the cross guard and fineal guard. The special improvements from the type (1) dagger are evident. Such as the “closed style” cloverleaf or Wotans Knot as it used to be called, this means that the circular area at the top is not open like the type ones were constructed so that you would see the letters DRGM, also the links where they connect to the cloverleaf are bevel trimmed in order to provide more flexability to the chains movement when worn. These two differences will designate a type (2) from a type (1) at first glance. This example is the early production model and is in solid nickel. The finish on the cross guard and fineal guard match the finish on the scabbard more closely than in other examples.  The eagle clutching the swastika and the top button with SS runes are quite bold and stand right out There are no cracks in the wood of the grip. The SS approval or Kulturzeichen appears lightly stamped on the 2nd link of the upper chain. The blade is extra fine but shows some slight scabbard wear.  This would be the slightly seen runner marks from inserting and withdrawing the weapon from time to time.  The scabbard ball tip is not ruptured as so many are (its perfect). The detail of the skulls and runics are exceptional. This is an all around beautiful dagger and these pieces are as I have said before are getting very scarce ,hardly a one shows up at the military shows except for the dozen or so that are to be seen in the show case maintained by a rich young punk whose greed excels his liking for the hobby.  You wouldn’t want to buy one from this German hating individual in any case because the price would be astronomical.  These are scared objects in our estimation and we strive to offer the best of them to you the collecting public at very competitive prices. In a short time these daggers will exceed in price the possibility of the average collector gaining one.  It is already approaching this with certain greed driven dealers.  This particular example is highly recommended and still affordable.  Yes, still a bit expensive, especially now but you couldn’t make a wiser investment at this time because this is without a doubt the epitome of N.S. weapons and the crème d’ la crème of SS items.  If you have a collection of SS articles without this prodigiously important beauty then you just don’t have a premier collection.  Actually, there are people out there who have only one NS-SS item and that is the Mod 1936 SS chained dagger.   In a way, every other SS item fades into a state of insignificance beside this the honor dagger of the SS

Meine Ehre Heisst Treue The motto on the blade means “My Honor is Loyalty”. 

PRICE: SOLD

Just go ahead &compare against others offered on other sites. If there are any out there at all!

 

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1936 Model Chained Officer’s Dagger (Item SSDAG 1-3)

DESCRIPTION: Service daggers we have ever seen. It’s a Type II with the “closed” style cloverleaf. This means that the upper “leaf” or circular area in front of the snap closure is not open as you see on Type I daggers. Also, another improvement that came with the Type II chain is that the chain assemblies are connected to the cloverleaf design (or Wotan knot) with metal links or tabs which have been barrell trimmed to provide more flexibility to the chain’s movement while being carried. The Type II tabs are cut from sheet nickel and soldered at the rear. The skulls and Sigrunes are of slightly smaller dimension than the ones on a Type I variety, but remain highly detailed. The upper reverse sigrune link is proofed, but generally the stamping is not quite as deep as seen on the Type I variety. In many cases the strain caused by normal twisting and movement of the chain during wear will cause the seams on the tabs to separate and open often necessitating resoldering. This can be seen on at least two of the links of this dagger we offer, however, this in no way detracts from the great looks of this exceptional dagger. The chain links were die stamped and patinated. This dagger has the fine, crispy, defined border edges. After 1938, Type II chain assemblies were produced using nickel-plated steel base metal. Some of them had painted scabbards while others were produced with blued scabbard shells (anodized). The center mount is retained with two screws (on the better ones!). After 1937 the 1936 model underwent standardization under the ‘RZM’ as did other political daggers. The result was that the chained model will be seen with nickel-plated Type II assemblies. Some wartime-produced examples will have a copper runes button and eagle. This one has neither. It has the nice silvered eagle and button with exquisite detail. The ebony-colored wood used on many of the later-produced daggers was more brittle and prone to chipping and about 90 percent of all the examples we have seen or offered have had some chipping or splitting; it is the nature of the beast! Only the finest of them retained tight fit and absence of this peculiar malady. This one is in that qualification of perfect fit and has no cracks or splits. All of this depended on the company which produced the dagger and its particular quality standards. This obviously was an early Type II dagger employing the better things of the Type I such as the anodized scabbard, fine button and eagle, and finer detail to the runic and Totenkopf links, but it also has some of the improvements attending the Type II variety. Yes, this is a superior example all the way and it demands inclusion in the finest collection it can find. They don’t come much better; the blade is in average condition. Here also the blade retains the flat surface that allows the motto to be read easily, unlike the later Type II’s that had a “high” ridge running down the center that rather distorted the image of the motto. This is yet another fine feature of this particular offering. Gentlemen, if you don’t have a fine 1936 chained dagger you really don’t have an SS collection! Nothing equals the sheer beauty and dramatic effect of this the finest of all NS ceremonial weapons. The value of these now very elusive weapons rise yearly in Europe, and it will be extremely hard to even locate one in the near future, here or there. Buy this one today and it will be worth much more rather quickly, especially in this condition and quality. In this day and age of the failing and falling dollar this is a wise investment indeed. The price of daggers like this and in lesser condition in Germany and Europe have “skyrocketed.” They are already exceeding the price we ask. Remember, this is the “ultimate” dagger and perhaps the ultimate relic of the Third Reich!

PRICE: SOLD

 

36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger

36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
Great blade!
36 Chained Officer Dagger
Back of blade
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
The back side
36 Chained Officer Dagger
The Kulturzeichen
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
"Papa Eike"
36 Chained Officer Dagger
36 Chained Officer Dagger
Exquisite Officers 1936 Model Chained SS Dagger (Item SSDAG 1-3A & SS 35-15)

DESCRIPTION: Here also is a fine textbook example of what is the ultimate SS dagger and very likely the ultimate NS dagger altogether. This one has the beautiful anodized Finish on the scabbard that the purists all look for. Never refinished, all 100% original. It has the highest detailed alternating skulls and SS runes all in high relief, it has the type 2 chain similar to the one featured in SS Dag 1-1 on this page. The Kulturzeichen on the first link on the shorter chained section is as also depicted in the description of the dagger at DAG 1-1, the type 2 chain is produced of solid nickel silver metal, the grip is in the fine ebony wood and fits perfectly to the top and cross guard with no gaps. The throat and the boot and middle band are all marching and as nice as they could be, and as noted earlier,  this is a very important consideration to ponder when buying a 1936 mod. Dagger. We have also informed our collectors that many offered on other sites have been altered or are outright mixtures. Buying 1936 Model SS daggers for dealers such as we at Germania is really no longer a profitable venture. There generally is no room left in them and everyone knows these models are truly treasures. Why then do we bother to invest in them? Well, because first of all the only way these pieces can go is up!  And, so much do we personally love this particular dagger that we continue to buy them practically at every opportunity. Yes, there are rare daggers that ultimately sell for much more money, but to me none of them have the appeal of these artistically handsome, historically meaningful, daggers. The blade on this one is superb!  Bright and unmarked, shines like a mirror, and without a moment’s hesitation. There is a chip in the handle at the place where the wood meets the top guard. I would feel compelled to say that this is the finest mod, 36 that I have seen in a very long time. It has often been stated that if you do not have one of these daggers, you haven’t reached the goal of true 3rd Reich collecting and if you are just starting out in this fascinating field of collecting, why not start at the pinnacle?  Again this is the ultimate 3rd Reich item. Nothing can match it for importance or beauty. Am I being prejudiced? Well, I just can’t help it, I simply love 36 Model SS daggers and once you obtain one you will feel the same; there is a certain magic about them! Meine Ehre Heisst Treue!

PRICE: SOLD

 

SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger

SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
The Kulturzeichen - Different!
SS Chained Officer Dagger
The back side
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
A super dagger!
SS Chained Officer Dagger
Note '36 models
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger
SS Chained Officer Dagger

 Chained Officer Model 1936 Pattern SS Dagger (Item SSDAG 1-3B & SS 35-16)

DESCRIPTION: Here we present yet another fine 36 Mod Chained Service Dagger. I have said it before and I will say it again. This particular dagger is in my way of thinking (and others share the opinion) the ultimate epitome of the relics of the Third Reich. It is the embodiment of dramatic perspective. The whole agenda and mythos of National Socialism in its most eminent phenomenon (the SS).  Ever since the collecting of 3rd Reich edged weapons started in earnest in the late 1950’s, these daggers have been the most sought after collectable among hobbyists and history buffs. There is a magic about them and not only the striking beauty and artistic acumen was achieved by the original designer but a combination of both incorporated in these magnificent weapons! They even charm with a sometimes reluctant measure of admiration the liberals and sometimes it is just pure fascination as expressed by those who have long ago accepted the assessments and hypothesis that the SS was an instrument of evil. One of the leading experts and purveyors of N.S. daggers and swords who is also a talented author is still Alice in Wonderland when it comes to his natural inclination to admire the original owners of these relics. He stops short of saying it in his writings. However, orthodox history lessons called rightly brainwashing have pretty much overcome his initial approbation and he returns to believing  the sensationalist so called historians. (The controlled ones.) Enough of that for now, I do get carried away sometimes. That is often the problem with being a revisionist historian.

In any case, here is a fine textbook example of the most sought after dagger model in the world; the condition is superb. Where the ebony grip meets the top guard and cross guard there are no gaps as often is found on some examples. The nickel finish on the grip and scabbard match. The skulls and alternating runic links are highly detailed and stand out in beautiful high relief. The chain and middle band have a particularly beautiful patina. The eagle in the grip is also very clearly defined.  The scabbard is with the painted finish (original). The Kulturzeithaen on the 2nd line of the shorter chain is interesting in that it is depicted rather side-ways instead of up and down. (Different but right!)  The scabbards “boot” has the ball end in perfect non-ruptured shape. The blade fits tight into the scabbard.  In fact ‘tight’ would be a good verbiage. As far as all fittings on this dagger, the blade is exceptionally fine and unblemished except for the usual light streaks made by the metallic retainer strips inside the scabbard. This is absolutely natural on SS and SA daggers but on this particular dagger they are hardly noticeable at all. A great and beautifully brilliant blade. This is a type II dagger. Whereby the Wotan Knot at the top of the chain suspension is closed, unlike the type one where the DRGM mark shows through. So, collectors, here is a chance to acquire the “best of the best”. A dagger you will be very proud to own.

PRICE: SOLD

 

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The prince proudly wears his SS sword.

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The Prince

 

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The original medieval castle
of the Waldeck family

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The royal lineage of the Prince
Josias Erbprinz von Waldek Pyrmont

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SS-Gruppenführer Waldeck

The SS Sword of Hereditary Prince Josias von Waldeck und Pyrmont (Item SSDAG 1-4 & SS 25-1)

DESCRIPTION:    Here is one of the most incredible finds that we have managed to uncover because of our many contacts in Germany. In April 2006, we were informed that the SS sword of the Josias Erbprinz zu Waldeck und Pyrmont, 1896-1967, was now to be sold in the vicinity of Kassel, Germany. As luck would have it we were attending a military show at that time in Kassel so we immediately went to the location and after 4 days of negotiation we managed to buy it, and what a thrill it was. Prince Josias was one of the earliest members of the SS and one of the first of the royal lines to join the ranks of the Shutzstaffel. The Erbprinz (hereditary prince) had an extraordinary and varied career and enjoyed an especially close relationships with Himmler, the eldest son of the last ruling prince in Waldeck, the nephew of the King of Württemberg, and the Dutch queen. He was badly wounded in WWI (including being a victim of a gas attack) and highly decorated (receiving the Iron Cross First and Second Class). He later volunteered for the Free Corps, where he fought in Upper Silesia in 1919. Waldeck joined the Nazi Party in 1929 and the SS in 1930. He had married one of the sisters of Grand Duke Nikolaus von Oldenburg, 1897-1948. The Grand Duke von Oldenburg’s two sisters married SS major Prince zu Schaumburg-Lippe and SA Colonel von Hedemann, making this a tight-knit circle of aristocratic NSDAP officials. During his first year in the SS Waldeck became the Chief of Himmler’s personal staff. Later, in 1933, he became the aide-de-camp of SS General Sepp Dietrich, 1891-1966, who headed up Hitler’s personal security. That same year Waldeck was promoted to major general (SS-Gruppenführer); part of his precipitous rise in rank. He also had a brief appointment as a councilor in the foreign office in 1933, and held a seat in the Reichstag throughout the era of the Third Reich. As of 1936, he headed the SS Division of Fulda putting him in close proximity to Prince Philipp of Hessen, who also was an NSDAP royal and was a high-ranking SA leader. Both Waldeck and Prince Philipp were based in Kassel near the area where the sword was stored and ultimately sold to us. In Kassel, Josias created the Bureau for the Germanization of Eastern Peoples, which promoted the idea of SS-directed settlements in Eastern Europe. In 1939, Waldeck was appointed the higher SS and police leader in Weimar and in this capacity he had supervisory authority over the concentration camp at Buchenwald. The prince was also a general of the Ordnungs-Polizei (Order Police); appointed by Hitler personally in April 1941. Prince Waldeck was severe, hard driving, and ambitious. To cite an example, he oversaw an SS execution commando at the Stadelheim Prison near Munich during the Röhm purge in June 1934, when he had to order the executions of several former comrades. It gave him no pleasure, but it was necessary to the future of the NSDAP, which he would defend with his own life, if necessary: “Wenn alle untreue werden so bleiben wir doch treue!” On 12 March 1938, the day of the German annexation of Austria, he wrote to Heinrich Himmler addressing the letter to the Reichsführer-SS persönlich requesting to be deployed to Austria. He wanted to be where the action was. During the so-called Kristallnacht, Waldeck is on historical record as giving to Arolsen headquarters an order to his men to refrain from violence and to arrest those who indulged in gangster activities. Considering the culture of discipline in the SS, and Prince Waldeck’s overbearing demeanor it is hard to believe his troopers would have acted against his orders. In 1942, Prince zu Waldeck sacked Buchenwald Commandant Karl Otto Koch and his wife because of their cruel treatment of prisoners and their embezzlement of over 700,000 DM in valuables from the camp property rooms. Koch was found guilty of corruption and executed at Buchenwald just days before the allies arrived. The prince considered himself principled and disciplined. Scholars now generally reject the charge made by Buchenwald inmate and pseudo historian Eugen Kugon that Waldeck himself was brazenly corrupt. He certainly was well thought of by his men; some of whom we have talked to. He was always publicized as a kind of role model for the SS. He was made head of the SS office for riding. He held the title Leiter des Deutschen Reitsports and like Prince Christoph, he frequently competed in international competitions in his always-pin-neat SS uniform. Just after the Austrian Anschluss in the spring of 1938, Waldeck inquired whether he could be included in the police unit that would accompany Hitler to Rome. His aide wrote the request to the SS-Reichsführer noting that the proposal would be favorably greeted by SS General Sepp Dietrich and Oberpräsident Prince Philipp von Hessen, and he added that Waldeck would be in Rome from April 24 to May 5, competing in an international riding competition. Himmler wrote back that he could not assign Waldeck to the police detail because the Italians were taking charge of security, but it would be no problem to invite the prince to other functions during the Führer’s visit in May. Waldeck was a very visible figure resplendent in his SS uniform with the SS officer’s sword ever at his side. He was photographed constantly by the German and Italian press during the state visit. He was considered the epitome of the SS officer. He fit the SS ideal in many other ways, too. Not surprisingly Waldeck and his wife had five children, which would earn the latter the Mother Cross in gold, the highest award for bearing children for the German Reich. Prince Waldeck, as we have earlier stated, was one of Himmler’s favorites and the Reichsführer made special efforts to take care of him. They used the familiar form of address (one of Himmler’s few Duzfreunden) and the Reichsführer-SS sent numerous gifts not only to Waldeck, but to his family. Himmler was godfather to the prince’s only son to whom he sent a regular stream of presents and notes. The prince thought a great deal of his chief and often sent handmade gifts turned out by artisans in the Weimar regions. We featured one of these on our pages. See the incredible Presentation Cigar Box to Heinrich Himmler at Item HH 1-6. You can see more information about Prince Waldeck there, as well. In March 1943, Himmler ordered that the prince be awarded the Military Service Cross with swords. This is the highest award granted to higher SS and police leaders. Himmler’s aide wrote back that Waldeck had already received the award the previous year for service as part of civil defense. Waldeck, in turn, venerated Himmler had made every effort to honor him. This included giving Himmler a new train car (Salonwagen) at the meeting of SS leaders in Posen in the autumn of 1943. Waldeck’s experiences during the war took a toll on him. In January 1944, SS General Udo von Woyrsch, 1895-1982, wrote Himmler and explained how the prince was suffering from serious eye problems and that he constantly smokes cigarettes and evidently appears shaken. Woyrsch asked Himmler to intervene—to prohibit Waldeck from smoking and to take better care of himself. Yet, Waldeck survived the German (European) defeat. He surrendered to Patton’s forces at Buchenwald on April 13, 1945, the day the camp was occupied by allied armies and he faced two trials in the postwar period. See our write-up at Item HH 1-6 for more information on this. He was sentenced to life in prison, but on November 29, 1950 Waldeck was released from prison. He was one of the first to benefit from American High Commissioner John J. McCloy’s amnesty program and in July 1953, he received an amnesty from the Hessian Minister-President. The passion of revenge and ethnic cleansing seemed over for that time. Prince zu Waldeck lived out his life in the Federal Republic until his death in November 1967. He passed away to Walhalla at the age of 72 at Schloss Schaunberg near Diez an der Lahn. The family has kept its archives closed to scholars since the prince was released in 1950 for reasons of poor health (the reason given). When he returned to his home he turned a great portion of the ancestral estate over to the Red Cross for its tracing of missing persons. Prince Waldeck’s SS identification number was 2139 and this number appears stamped or engraved on the lip of the scabbard of his sword. His NSDAP number was 160 025. He had the Golden Party pin, the Iron Cross First and Second Class, the War Service Cross, the Spange for winning the Iron Cross again in WWII, the Deutsches Kreutz, and the silver Wound Badge. He was an able leader and a brave soldier and really did not deserve the nasty fate that attended him at the Nuremberg (Star Chamber Proceeding) in the late 1940s. It is generally thought that it was his royal heritage that condemned him when the lesser men of the tribunal would exact revenge and tribal malice vis-à-vis French Reign of Terror tactics against men of higher station and especially the aristocracy. The sword of the prince certainly shows much use and the grip could be called ‘rather tired’ and a bit deteriorated. The ebony grip is all there, but slightly distressed. It’s obvious importance, however, transcends this; however, please don’t think it’s terrible. In any case, Tom Wittman, in his great book on swords and daggers of the SS shows a grip on page 353 that is similar in condition to this one. He says grips frequently reflect chips, usually caused by a resting sword inevitably falling on something or when worn striking against a hard surface. Since the ebony is very hard it is also brittle and we might add that it was common for the SS wearer to apply various oils and cleaners to the wooden surface to try to soften the wood thereby making it less susceptible to breakage. We have often seen other swords and daggers with this shrinkage and mottled effect caused by the various attempts at preservation in days past. To the perfectionist this could be a negative, but to the collector of important genuine historical artifacts, this would be acceptable of course, and even to some, desirable in that it shows genuine usage. Then, of course, there is the pertinent fact that it belonged to one of the most prestigious figures of Third Reich and WWII history. The prince was no auxiliary or honorary SS man as many German royals were. Many of these men, if they were authorized to wear the sword, wore it only occasionally for parade or review. Prince Waldeck wore it every day ether the sword or the SS dagger. He was fulltime and like most regular SS officers of rank he invariably held it by the grip and we have seen the wear on SS honor rings that are practically stripped bare of insignia because of long and excessive wear. It seems obvious to us that this royal personage grasped the ebony grip to the fullest extent. In our considered opinion this is surely a positive factor. Think about it. This sword was his constant companion and possibly the most-favored inanimate object that ever found his favor. The length of this (Degen) is 36 inches when in its scabbard. It still has the original sword knot or portepee. The blade is unmarked because it is one of the early ones that would not be marked back in the period when the Reich’s Führer did not want to show any company preference. This is the reason that the 1936 chained officer’s dagger model bears no company make or logo. There is also no Kulturzeichen or twisted ‘S’ runes and Mr. Tom Wittman notes that this is common with many of these swords. See page 358 on his SS sword-and-daggers book. The pommel nut bears the engraved initials ‘WP’ for Waldeck-Pyrmont. Wittman shows a similar engraving on page 363 and another on page 369 in his book. So, in essence and in fact, here offered by Germania is one of the most important SS officer’s swords ever featured on a military site. No, it is not a Damascus gold-lettered honor sword, but is surely is a relic of vast importance having belonged to one of the highest-ranking SS men, but also a prince of royal lineage. The prince is listed on the first page of the Dienstalterliste der Shutzstaffel der NSDAP as an SS-Obergruppenführer among many other illustrious well-known names. We proudly present this fabulous historically important relic.

Credit for much of this information goes to Mr. Jonathan Petropoulos for his kind permission to use excerpts from his excellent book Royals and the Reich.

PRICE: Partially donated to a Minnesota museum--no longer available

See other Prince Waldek items on SS Page 25

 

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The Prince

 

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Note the 8-point star

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SS-Gruppenführer Waldeck

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The prince proudly wears his SS sword.

1936 Model SS Dagger of Prince Josias von Waldeck und Pyrmont (Item SSDAG 1-5 & SS 25-1A)

DESCRIPTION:    This is one of the most incredible SS daggers ever found. It’s the personal dagger having belonged to the hereditary prince of the famed Waldeck und Pyrmont family. To see how we obtained this fantastic dagger please read the information above in Item SS 25-1, about the Waldeck sword. After acquiring the sword we returned to the town of Bad Arolsen, where we were able to purchase this amazing weapon. If the purchase of the sword were not enough to thrill us to the outer limits, the chance to buy the dagger was to us a dream come true! What a dagger! Not just a model 36, which, by the way, are become so very scarce, but the prince’s dagger. If the owner of this dagger were virtually unknown the piece would still command very appreciable manifest attention to the collector of SS material or a general dagger collector. This piece will probably be the finest and most important one that they will ever encounter. The design that is peculiar to only the Waldeck Pyrmont prince is not only extremely emblematic and beautiful, but is so essentially indicative of the exciting era of German history. The ‘WP’ in the circle, of course, stands for ‘Waldeck Pyrmont,’ the royal family of Waldeck und Pyrmont of which he was the hereditary prince. This emblem is surrounded by oak leaves and acorns. The oak to the Germanic peoples was and is a symbol of strength and endurance and is the national tree of Germany. In classical mythology the oak was the symbol of Zeus and Wotan and was always the “sacred” tree. It is typical in Teutonic culture to use oak leaves to denote honor to a person, place, or award. The boot, or tip, of the scabbard is also decorated with the oak clusters and in the center of this is the star of Bad Arolsen. This was the city where the later Waldeck und Pyrmont is located and it was here that the prince and SS Gruppenführer administered the Fulda Wera SS Divisional headquarters. This star is shown sometimes as the Arolsen symbol with six arms, and when directly linked with the Waldeck family it is depicted with eight arms or rays; usually with the six, a fleur-de-lis is shown, especially on items having to do with the original gothic castle in a town of Waldeck in Edersee. The dagger, like the sword, has the Gruppenführer’s SS membership number. This one stamped under the cross guard is number ‘2139.’ The dagger is the typical first pattern where the ‘DRGM’ shows through the Wotan knot suspension section of the chain hanger. The scabbard is in beautiful condition as is the chain, but the blade is quite worn indicating to us that he received the specially engraved scabbard later and nostalgically wanted to retain his original-issue dagger and probably kept the dagger that was given with the scabbard in his home or offices in Arolsen or Kassel. The sword saw heavy use in everyday wear also. The prince was a work-a-day official; a real workaholic as we are given to understand. The other reason for the heavy wear on these items might lie in the fact that the family who maintained these objects had teenaged children who loved to play pirate and soldier during their growing-up years in Arolsen, and the items unfortunately suffered a little bit over the years of probably rough usage. In any case, at least they were preserved and are to be added to the collection of some fortunate collector or museum. We can’t imagine a more exciting dagger or sword for that matter. “Heil to the SS prince!” His dagger and sword are silent testimony to a life that was possible provocative, but certainly most enthralling and dramatic to the extreme.

PRICE: Partially donated to a Minnesota museum--no longer available

See other Prince Waldek items on SS Page 25

 

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The WWI Sword of Erbprinz Josias Waldeck von Pyrmont (Item SSDAG 1-6 & SS 25-1D)

DESCRIPTION:    Here is the WWI sword of the hereditary prince of Waldeck. This is the prince whose other items can be seen in the previous section of this page. He was the eldest son of Frederick, the last reigning prince of the principality of Waldeck Pyrmont. At the very beginning of WWI in 1914 he volunteered to arms with intention to be a professional soldier. During the 4 years of this terrible war he suffered several wounds including a very serious head injury that plagued him for the rest of his life. He served as an Oberleutnant in the infantry regiment von Willich 13 Kurhessisches Nr. 3. He served bravely and diligently and won the Iron Cross, both classes. The sword is a Prussian infantry model actually used by the other military units from the other German states, as well. It has the folding guard with the Royal Prussian eagle and the d-guard is as usual on these Model 1889 infantry officer degens (Preussische Infanterie Offizierdegen). The ray-skin grip is in good condition. The top or pommel has the ‘WP’ intertwined standing for ‘Waldeck Pyrmont’ just as it is engraved on his SS officer’s degen seen in one of the write-ups above. The length of the sword is 37 inches. The blade measures 30 1/2 inches and the blade is still bright with double-running fullers that run along 90 percent of the blade. There is no company name or logo. The scabbard is in good condition with no kinks or dents. It shows some wear on the black original print, but this does not detract at all. Generally, the sword is in excellent condition and is another fine relic and remembrance of a royal personage who dedicated his later live to an ideal to which he gave his all and there are some who respect his memory!

PRICE: Partially donated to a Minnesota museum--no longer available

See other Prince Waldek items on SS Page 25

 

Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger

Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
SS Totenkopf Reiter Standarte
Temme Dagger
Sturmbannfuhrer Temme
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
His SS Runes number
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
SS Runes Approval Mark
Temme Dagger
The portfolio
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
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Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme's wife
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Another famed horseman
Temme Dagger
SS Runes Cavalry at the front
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Hermann Fegelein
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme and friends
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Grand Tournament
Temme Dagger
The Reichsfuhrer loved horses
Temme Dagger
The Cavalry Band
Temme Dagger
The Grand Entrance
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
Picture credits to Paul Wilson's
"Himmler's Cavalry"
Temme Dagger
Some of the many accompanying
documents
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
His background, signed by Temme
Temme Dagger
Victory announcements
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
He wins at Stuttgart
Temme Dagger
Temme Dagger
His wife's documentation

Special 1936 Mod Officers Dagger from SS Runes Cavalry Champion and SS Runes Sturmbannfuhrer GuntherTemme (Item SSDAG 1-7 & SS 35-12)

DESCRIPTION: This is the most incredibly important dagger we have had since we procured the chained Mod 1936 dagger of Prince Josias Waldeck V. Pymont. This is the dagger of SS Standartenfuhrer Gunther Temme who was the greatest horseman of the SS cavalry, ranking only below the equestrian feats of Hermann Fegelein, the Commander of the famed SS Cavalry Division. The Cavalry detachments were the idea brought to fruition by Reichsfuhrer SS Heinrich Himmler. His idea was to give the German Nation and people “an elite within the elite;” they were early known as the equestrian SS and later the Cavalry Division. They always received great Party support and were given all the social prestige by the adoring public. Professional jockeys and horse farmers were recruited to the ranks in almost every tournament in the 30’s and 40’s. SS riders were almost invariably the winners. Distinctive from all the others within the SS, these riders were the “Stuff of Glory." Many of them became famous throughout the land, even royals from some of Germany’s past ruling houses flocked to this organization and a SS riding school of gigantic proportions was set up in Munich and another in Berlin. The usual social order as observed in the German Army from earliest times was cast aside in the equestrian SS. Himmler believed equestrianism had been too exclusive and hitherto it was the rule that only the elite and wealthy plus stuffed shirts of the army Command and Cavalry Schools and the wealthy could even afford the training that was necessary to become accomplished horsemen, but now German farmers and the landed gentry rode together side by side in equal pride. Gunther Temme who later became the "Star Rider of the SS" was born 29 August 1900 in Botschin, West Prussia. His occupation was that of farmer. In World War I, he served in a cavalry regiment and later he served in the “Stalhelm.”  He joined the SA in April 1933 remaining there until joining the SS on Jan 5th 1934 and was assigned to the 2/SS Reiterstandarte 1 commissioned on July 1st 1934.  He became special duties officer of Reiterabschnitt 1 V at the start of August 1935 and was promoted to Obersturmfuhrer on January 30 1936. Temme moved to SS Reiterstandarte 7 in Berlin on Nov 1st 1936 where he became Hauptsturmfuhrer on Jan 30 1937 and was assigned as Sachbearbeiter 1/R for Oberabschnitt “Ost” succeeding Paul Brantener on July 1 1937.

Temme remained there until added to the faculty of the SS Hauptreitschule in Munich during mid-April 1939.  Promoted to Sturmbannfuhrer on April 20 1939 he was assigned as Leiter Der Nachersaltzstellle with the staff of the initial Berittene Abteilung in Sept. 1939, then Sturmbannfuhrer D.R. on March 1 1940 as Fuhrer Beim Stabe of the 1st SS Totenkopfreiterstandarte. It was in this rank and this time that he commissioned the dagger that we offer to be customized. In mid-March 1941, he returned to Munich as Schwadron Chef of the 3/SS Kavallerieersatz Abteilung and then Commander of the Abteilung succeeding Josef Fritz returning to the front to lead the Reconnaissance Element that was decimated under his command in early 1942. Promoted to Obersturmbannfuhrer D.R. in March, Temme led the rebuilding elements of SS Kavallerie Regt. 2 in Debica into June 1942 while the SS Cavalry Division was being formed. After serving again in Munich, he was assigned to the divisional staff of the SS Kavallerie Division in April 1943 while serving in the command of Hermann Fegelein until posted to a staff assignment in the SS Fuhrerhauptamt with AMT VI Reit und Fahr Wessen in August 1943. Gunther Temme then took command of the SS Remountermt of SS Wartheland in Feb 1944 -- his last known posting and was promoted to SS Standartenfuhrer D.R. on Dec 21 1944. During his faithful service to the Reich he was listed as having received:

The Honor Cross for Front Fighter
The German Olympic Honor Cross
Medal 2nd Class 1936
The Iron Cross 2nd Class 1941
The Iron Cross 1st Class  1942 
The War Service Cross 2nd Class 
The Honor Sword of the SS
The Honor Ring (Totenkopfring)
The Yule Candle Holder (Julleuchter)
And an award from the SS Lebensborn 

His equestrian victories were legion and legend. He was, in addition to being a farmer, a prominent jockey. As an entered jockey from East Prussia, he won 1st place in 1935 as SS entry in the prestigious Deutsches Spring Derby in Hamburg. He was Europe’s spring champion extraordinaire! He was considered Germany’s most gifted jockey and, of course, the greatest SS rider and he brought fame and glory to his troop of riders. He actually won the German Derby twice, he rode without flaw and he won one after the other of jumping tournaments in Germany. He was written about in all the German papers in glowing terms including the SS journal Swarzekorps where he was lauded as the greatest of all jockeys. He was promoted to ride with the various members of royalty in Equestrian Regt. 7 in Berlin. He became a favored guest with army cavalry units and the upper crust of German nobility. He was often exempted from normal SS duties because of his value as a showman of the Reich. He certainly was that! An incredible rider without equal whose name would still resound in equestrian circles worldwide were it not for the bias that still pervades against the history of the SS. However, if Rittmeister Temme were here with us today, we would surely hear him say, “Wenn Alle Untrue Werden So Bleiben wWir Doch Treue, Meine Ehre Heist Treue.”

The dagger is the standard type 2 – 1936 pattern chained dagger authorized for wear by SS officers by Heinrich Himmler in Aug 25 1936.  Gunther Temme had the SS identification number of 204956. There are copies of Dienstaltersliste with the grouping we offer, this lists all the personal of the SS who had reached officer classification. There are several Dienstaltersliste in the provenance package that comes with the dagger that show his various promotions and honor items such as Totenkopf ring, sword, medals and his rise in the ranks. Under the cross guard of the dagger is the stamped SS number assigned to him - 204 956 on the front of the cross guard is also found engraved the rank of Sturmbannfuhrer in initials Stbf-Temme. The dagger is as we have noted a 1936 Mod. Officer's chained dagger in better than average condition. This model of SS dagger is familiar of course to collectors and historians, but after this the familiarity ends and we will now point out the custom work that the Sturmbannfuhrer had done to his dagger. Stbf. Teme always stood out from within the SS organization due to his amazing proclivities at the equestrian arts so it follows that he might have had a bit of that sprit d’corps that horsemen, especially cavalry officers often had. The dagger has on its scabbard throat an SS skull flanked by oak leaves and acorns all in silver and applied. The skull is of the type used by the Death's Head Division “Der Totenkopf Standarte." And on the cross guard in front there are the initials SS-TK-R-STD. This comes out to be SS Totenkopf Reiter Standarte. This of course would have been worn by Temme while assigned to this elite cavalry outfit. At the bottom of the scabbard on the drag is a single silver oak leaf -- so the dagger is quite unique as was the man. We have already indicated that Temme had special dispensation to avoid the regular duties of an SS officer due to his “Star” status and this obviously would be the reason that he gained the privilege of having this custom work on his issue dagger. Another example of exception to the normally stringent rules is found on our Germania pages at page 25 of Schutzstaffel (SS) Page 25 1-A where you can see that just such an exception was made for the Hereditary Prince Josias Von Waldeck und Pyrmont. Why? Because he was of respected royalty and also a horseman and held the title Leiter Das Deutschen Reitsports (Head of the SS Office for Riding.). The cavalry definitely were given many privileges beyond their SS Kameraden. They were the treasured and beloved showmen of the Reich. And Gunther Temme was the best of the best!

Included with the Temme dagger is a great documentation portfolio prepared from the U.S. National Archives Administration by Ross J. Kelbaugh a professional researcher in Baltimore, MD.  The documents in the portfolio include his personal data summary, his various ranks, his military service, pictures of Temme from archives, his officer file and his Rassé und Siedlungs records (race and resettlement records) (RuSha file), and there are explanations of these records and their purposes are included. Then there are the SS Dienstalterliste the service records from 1936, 1937, 1938 through to 1944.  He is listed in each with his awards as mentioned earlier and also his subsequent ranks. In addition to all of this there are 151 pages separate, to include the documents from the SS Race and Resettlement Office and as mentioned his SS officer file. This makes for a huge stack of documentation, all very reticent to the life of this illustrious SS officer. This dagger and all the bountiful documents make for one of the most important historical pieces we have ever had. It is our distinct pleasure to present to the collecting public the Prince's dagger and this one that surely are the most important SS daggers ever to be located.

PRICE: SOLD 

 

SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword

SS Officer Candidate Sword

SS Officer Candidate Sword
Kulturzeichen

SS Officer Candidate Sword
Also on scabbard lip
SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword
The hanger
SS Officer Candidate Sword
Nice crisp, clear markings
SS Officer Candidate Sword
Back of hanger clip
SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword
Note WHL marking
SS Officer Candidate Sword
The back side
SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword
A young officer candidate
SS Officer Candidate Sword
SS Officer Candidate Sword
Full fledged officer

An SS Officer Candidate Sword by WKC (SS Bewerberdegen) (Item SSDAG 1-8 & SS 35-14)

DESCRIPTION: This is a very fine example of the SS officer candidate sword, an important accoutrement to the aspiring young recruit as he makes his way up through the ranks to becoming a fully accredited SS officer. The SS logo (the runes) are not found on these swords, as the wearer had a long way to go in his training and certification before he would receive the officer degen. The blade is marked with the Knight's head logo of the Weyersberg Kirschbaum Co. of Solingen (WKC) on the back side of the blade. Directly behind the WKC mark is the Kulturzeichen which is an intertwined Seigrune. The original designer of the SS and Police swords was Professor & SS Obersturmbannfuhrer Karl Diebitsch who was in charge of Heinrich Himmler’s personal staff department of the Reichsfuhrer SS. The Diebitsch mark on a SS object signified that it was appropriate for use and therefore conformed to the high standards of the SS. Diebitsch’s office which had great influence over the artistic designs that were used by the RFSS. He personally designed objects d’art in a wide range of subjects to even include the decoration of buildings and the nature of ceremonies. Many collectors and dealers refer to Diebitsch’s Kulturzeichen as an SS proof mark. This is not correct; it really was meant to show that the object carrying this mark was deemed by the Reichsfuhrer to be consistent with the SS image and their high ideals and therefore was appropriate for use by the SS. The sword measures 39 ½ inches long in its scabbard. The blade is in perfect unmarred condition. The grip has no chips or blemishes. The Kulturzeichen appears on the top scabbard lip as well as on the blade. The sword also has something you just never see -- the black leather carry strap with pebbled snap attachment. This ultra-rare piece is beautifully marked with the words and numerals SS 371/38 and the RZM logo. This is just never seen. The paint on the scabbard is all original and has the usual minor scratches here and there. The sword is in A-1 condition overall but you must realize it was worn. This sword would be a great addition to a good collection of SS items or even a good sword collection. A prime example of N.S. mastery in highly decorative and meaningful weaponry.

PRICE: SOLD

SS Chained Dagger
The dagger with prototype chain

SS Chained Dagger
Professor Carl Diebitsch in the -Allach showroom in Berlin 1939

 

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

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SS Chained Dagger
The special attachments

SS Chained Dagger
How is it done?

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SS Chained Dagger
Exhibit #1 with date 30/6/37

SS Chained Dagger

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A good view of the connectors

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Ultimate (Prototype) SS Chained Officer’s Dagger (Item SSDAG 1-10; SS 36-14)

DESCRIPTION: Are you one of the elite collectors who might have considered owning the absolute ultimate in a dagger that already is and always has been the absolute most popular and beautiful N.S. dagger that the Third Reich ever produced? OK, it is not as pretty as an SA high-leader’s dagger, or Hermann Göring’s wedding sword, or any of the very special pieces sold by the other “big names” in the military field, but the piece we offer here is as important and possibly more important than any of them, at least in my way of thinking. This is Carl Diebitsch's 1940s model SS-officers dagger with prototype chain. This dagger is actually a late specimen, but it still would be a 1936 model with some minor differences. It is no doubt unique! We have never heard of another one that has ever turned up and we seriously believe that this is the only one that you and I will ever see. In about 1982, I went to the district of Tegernsee in Bavaria along with Dr. Edward Rich, a brilliant historian and author with purpose of visiting Professor and ex--Oberführer Carl Diebitsch. We interviewed him on myriad subjects, but especially about several articles that were reportedly designed by him. The first and foremost was a tapestry that once had been a decoration in the offices of the SS-Ahnenerbe Stiftung in Berlin. We owned a fantastic tapestry at that time and it is shown in the book Pictorial History of the SS: 1923-1945 by Andrew Mollo. The tapestry was designed by Prof. Diebitsch and woven by his sister Elsie Seifert. I also showed him a card with pictures of two chain assemblages that purportedly had been once in his possession. One of the chains was missing from the picture and the other one was still in the picture, but we did not know the whereabouts of the one that was in the picture, either. A dealer in Buffalo, New York, claims he sold it years ago and didn’t remember who bought it. I still have the picture of the card along with two more pictures of the chain along with little notes on that card that were made by the hand of Prof. Diebitsch. Now! Why is this 1936 dagger so very different from others??? I ask you to look very carefully at the pictures of the chain attachment shown on the card and especially the fastening devices that connect the alternating skull links to the links with the runes. If you are familiar with the standard fastening devices you will know that those pieces are the only item that make these magnificently designed daggers less than perfect. The attachments adopted in 1936 are not only ugly, but they have been known to come apart if the pressure of the officer’s hand bore down on the dagger while wearing it. Professor Diebitsch was the actual designer of the 1936 model dagger and the SS sword and accomplished many other artistic designs within the SS, plus official postage stamps of the Reich. He was a highly accomplished painter having received one of the top prizes for his painting titled Mutter (“Mother”). He was the designer for the Ahenenerbe letterhead with the sacred Saxon Irminsul. He was the director and founder of the SS porcelain manufacturer Allach, and many of the designs were executed by him . He designed many of the tapestries that his sister produced. We have the great tapestry with the swastika motif that was removed from the Berchtesgaden Reich’s Chancellery and then was removed to Heinrich Himmler’s home after a fire in that chancellery. So, Diebitsch was certainly one of the major artists of particular note in the Third Reich and I have been honored and proud to have met him and his sister Elsie Seifert.

Back to the dagger chain
You have seen the inferior link fasteners on the regular 1936 Mod SS daggers and it must be admitted that this probably is the only weakness of the first model 1936 dagger’s design and construction.

The Prototype

I distinctly remember that when I handed the picture to the professor he was quite surprised and immediately stated, “I ‘m absolutely amazed! I never thought to ever see this again.” He then said that these are pictures of the design change that he hoped could be accomplished and he sent suggestions to Himmler in 1937 suggesting that the link construction should be changed and that when he originally designed the dagger the links should have been joined with his special connectors and he pointed out in our pictures that this was his design and the notes on the cards were his and were sent in this manner with two finished chains to Himmler’s office. Unfortunately, the SS procurement office never adopted the superior design to his great disappointment and they sent the card with the chains back to him with a note saying the Reichsführer-SS said it was a wonderful design, but he felt it was too late to change the production. The professor also told us that he had finished such a chain and attached it to a dagger, rather later in the 1940s, but the dagger was looted from his office at Dachau at the end of the war where the porcelain was produced. I remember that we did not ask if there were more of the daggers with the special chain. It must have slipped our minds, but then he had only mentioned one so we assumed that there was indeed only one. We did speculate at the time that somewhere out there was a dagger with that wonderful special chain or we assumed there was, but we were quite sure we would never see it. But, amazingly, in 1995, I was making a deal on several Third Reich articles with another dealer and at one point I was totally shocked to observe that one of two model 1940s chained SS daggers that I was seeking to acquire had the special Diebitsch links. I was stunned! But the dealer never noticed the difference and when I pointed it out to him he was totally indifferent. I completed the deal and was thrilled to take this treasured relic home with me and that is where it has been ever since. I think it nothing short of miraculous that I turned up this treasure, but it was not the only miraculous find of my past career, I have been very fortunate in locating many fabulous treasures of the Third Reich.

The Unique Design

Now look closely at the image marked “Exhibit #1” and see the connecting fasteners that tie the links together. It is almost impossible to discern how they are constructed, but one can readily see that they would be much more applicable with strength to hold—and hold firm (Putting to shame the ones that were approved and adopted). Then look at the actual links on the dagger that we show and you will realize if you are a true connoisseur of these things that here would be the zenith of design perfection as Carl Diebitsch had envisioned it. At first look, it’s practically impossible to even speculate as to how these pieces even manage to attach (they are so intricate). So, here in all its “black glory” is the Carl Diebitsch prototype dagger. It is certainly unique and, of course, most probably the rarest SS dagger in existence.

No longer available.

 

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

 

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger
Kulturabzeichen

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

 

Model 1936 Chained SS Officer’s Dagger; Second Type with Anodized Scabbard (Item SSDAG 1-11; SS 36-13a)

DESCRIPTION: Here it is collectors; an affordable, nice example of the ultimate National Socialist item: the collector’s dream! What is more typical of the N.S. regime than this dagger? When the chained SS dagger is shown all eyes open wide! There is something about this art-deco masterpiece design that sets it far apart from all the other Third Reich weaponry. Some collectors are brought to thinking about “The Night of the Long Knives” when viewing one of these remarkable daggers. This of course was the scenario when Hitler settled the score with certain plotters who had decided to foment a counterrevolution and to liquidate the army command and this set the N.S. movement in turmoil and practically unseat the Führer. Anyway, others see the dagger as the whole denotation of the Reich, itself. The SS, of course was the power behind Hitler’s throne. Without them he could never have survived the assailments of the communists and reactionaries that were hell bent to destroy him and the National Socialist Party. The various configurations of the SS—the sharp, black uniforms, the skull and crossbones, the runic symbolism on collars, the armbands red with black side stripes—all went far to foment fear in its enemies and instill pride in its members. Then there were the adoring German masses who cheered in frenzy when the LAH (Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler) bodyguard regiment goose-stepped by in concise procession. No elite unit in the world ever enjoyed such a nationwide admiration and so it was that these marvelous daggers—first introduced in 1933 (the model without chains)—were presented during a somber ceremony at the famed Feldherrnhalle in Munich. This mysticism-charged annual ritual was meant to summon up memories of the medieval Teutonic knights and the days of past glories. When 1936 came around there was an additional feature added to the dagger that made it all the more regal and beautiful. It was introduced in late 1936 and was the new chain hanger for new and existing officers. This later produced dagger was similar to the 1933 model but with a central mount fitting decorated with swastikas and a pebbled background that is attached to a chained suspension hanger with octagonal links that feature leering skulls that alternate with other links that show the double-runic symbol of the SS. This chain was designed by Professor Karl Diebitsch and the links had two meanings: the first is the skull and crossbones to signify loyalty unto death; the other is the two sig runes that signify the power of good over evil that sparks from the hammer of Thor. The chains suspension clip was embossed with an ancient Teutonic motif called “Wotan’s Knot.” The reverse of one of the links was stamped with two intertwined sig runes. This is the Kulterabzeichen that honored the designer SS-Obersturmbannführer Karl Diebitsch, who, by the way was the designer of the original SS black uniform and founded the SS-Allach porcelain manufactory. There are two styles of the chains and the type one was basically like onto type two even with the same center band, but has a “DRGM”-marked clip that can be seen under the Wotan Knot. The type-two chain has the dark burnishing on the links and the center band, and the Wotan Knot is solid and not open. Two connector rings are angled to fit more artistically into the knot. This was actually a scheduled improvement. The dagger we offer here is a type-two model. There was another great improvement designed by Prof. Diebitsch, but never put into production, unfortunately, and Germania International actually has the one, and only one, ever found. Please go to Item SS 36-14 or Item SSDAG 1-10. This is the rarest SS chained dagger in existence and (well worth looking at!). The dagger we offer here, however, is a completely fine, textbook example being in very collectable condition having everything that the collectors desire to see. The crossguards and tang nut are the early nickel type. These crossguards are in choice condition having smooth surfaces, crisp edges, and precise accent grooves. Looking at the tang nut it does not appear to have been removed in many years. The grip is a very fine example, but it has two small chunks of the wood missing where the grip meets the crossguard on the right side front and rear side back, and there is some minute damage to the ebony grip at the area in the back of where the runic button is at the top. The rune button is placed with nearly a straight up-and-down position. The grip eagle is bright. The details are all there at the bird’s head, breast and wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. The ebony grip fits nicely into the crossguards even though we have that slight damage and there are some spaces between the places where the grip should bank up against the metal of the crossguard blade shoulders. All of this simply comes about with age in wood pieces and it also has much to do with wherever the dagger was stored in the last 75 or 80 years (dry, good; wet, not so good!). The scabbard is the anodized style in its finish. Its great patina is in wonderful condition and still has all of its original luster which places this magnificent dagger in the late 1930s. There is great patina on the scabbard center band as well as the links. The original background darkening is still in place. All the links have 100 percent of the darkening. The skull-and-bones links are in very crisp condition; each one showing all the leering teeth. The rune links are also exceptional. The unmarked blade is an outstanding example having all the original grain and a good, needlelike tip. The blade also has the typical light etched motto, and this motto still has all the original darkening in the background, and other than the usual (in and out marks), the blade is in practically mint condition. This is an extremely nice initial-production SS dagger showing some honest usage of the period, but remains in highly desirable condition. This is a really great example to add to your collection. They say that if you don’t have a chained model SS dagger, you really do not have a Third Reich collection at all! Yes, this one has some problems, but its rarity and general condition more than make up for it in our well-considered opinion.

PRICE: SOLD

 

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

 

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

SS Chained Dagger

 

Chained Model 1936 Officer’s Dagger (Item SSDAG 1-12; SS 36-13b)

DESCRIPTION: Here is another good specimen of the famed SS officer’s 1936-model dagger similar to the one in the above section. This one also has the very desirable anodized scabbard. The grip is in ebony and the fit to the crossguards is perfect, except for some of the wood at the top. The top and bottom guards are in genuine nickel while the scabbard throat and center band are nickel plated. The crossguards, the skulls, and runic symbols on the links are clearly depicted, but a very small bit of corrosion has set into a link or two. Remember, this is a 100-percent-original dagger of a type that is fast disappearing from the collectable scene. Other than that the dagger is a very fine example with all fittings: sharp including the teeth of the skulls (important in these weapons). The grip eagle and runic enamel and runic bottom are sharp with super detailing to the eagle. The etched blade motto is clear with all its darkened patina intact. There are a couple of marks at the blade point where it meets the bottom crossguard and one tiny mark on each side of the edges almost down to the tip, but still the blade grades excellent, at least. The links and crossguards do not have the darkening that some manufacturers produced, but are bright and with high luster. This is a highly collectible SS dagger and its problems are minute to say the least, but it is better than most that have been offered out there in cyberland. Daggers in similar condition have sold for $10,000 or more; however, we offer it an incredible, special price.

PRICE: $7,850.00.

 

SS Dagger

SS Dagger
Image of Vollmer

 

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger
The carrying strap

SS Dagger
Section I (Munich) from where
the dagger originates

SS Dagger

SS Dagger
Part of Vollmer's records

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger

SS Dagger
Allgemeine-SS

SS Dagger
Allgemeine-SS troopers

SS Dagger
Waffen-SS troops

 

1933 Model Dagger from an Officer of the Allgemeine- and Waffen- (Item SSDAG 1-13; SS 36-14a)

DESCRIPTION: Herbert Peter Vollmer was an SS-Sturmbannführer of the 5th SS-Freiwilligen Gebirgsjäger Korps (Mountain Troops). At one point he was one of the commanders of the SS Freiwilligen-Grenadier Division 87 “Falke”. But in the October 1944 edition of Dienstalterliste der Schutzstaffel der NSDAP we see him listed as being in the aforementioned SS-Gebirgsjäger Korps with the N.S. Party Membership Number 4 166 993 and with the SS Membership Number of 139 159 and this number is found engraved upon the underside of the dagger’s crossguard. Also shown in symbols is the fact that Vollmer had received the SS Honor Sword and the Honor Ring (Ehrenringe of the SS). It indicates that he was made Sturmbannführer on 18 October 1942. He also won the Iron Cross First Class, the Close Combat Badge, and the Wound Badge. He was born October 29, 1913. Other records indicate that he won the German Cross (Deutsches Kreutz in gold). In other words: here was a hero of the Reich!, part of that elite group of men who curtailed Joseph Stalin’s methodic and systematic plans to conquer Europe and spread the communist poison from the Elbe to the coast of France. It was only the young Teutonic warriors of Germany’s Operation Barbarosa that stopped the horrible tragedy from happening. They laid down their lives; four million of them died in the cause of freedom and for their sacred European homelands. The dagger we have is from Herbert Vollmer’s Kampfzeit period (Time of Struggle—1928 to 1933) when he was considered one of the loyal guardians of the N.S. Party and the Führer Adolf Hitler. These SS men were usually the crème de la crème of manhood: well educated, physically superior, and of strong virtue, quite different than the Red Front hooligans that they fought against so effectively. They, on the other hand, were the noblesse aristocracy of the National Socialist movement—the epitome of German manhood! The dagger is in extra-fine condition with minute cracks in the grip noticeable only on extremely close inspection or magnification. The scabbard finish is so fine that it’s hard to tell if it is painted or anodized. The fittings at the top guard and bottom crossguard meet with the wood with no gap whatsoever. The elongated ball at the tip of the scabbard is in perfect shape. So many are squashed from dropping on the ground, as so often happened. The blade is by E. Pack and Sonne in Solingen and it has the logo showing the legendry Wagnerian hero Siegfried forging his sword “Nothung.” The blade is in wonderful condition showing only the “in and out marks,” but it grades overall about excellent plus. The SS motto Meine Ehre heisst Treue is there with 100 percent of the original factory darkening in the backgrounds of the letters. On the back of the crossguard you will see the Roman numeral I and this stands for the SS-Abschnitt or district that the dagger was sent from. The ‘I’ is from district Munich. This 1933 model Schutzstaffel dagger also has the rarely found or included short hanger with retainer loop with the original company markings. Now the most important feature is the fact that as we previously mentioned SS-Sturmbannführer Vollmer’s SS identification number 139 159 is engraved underneath the crossguard. This numbering was not required by the SS leadership committees, but certain officers were so proud of their SS membership and their dagger that they often had this done. So, my collector friends, if you have thought of having the ultimate 1933 model SS dagger, this one definitely qualifies.

Included with this dagger are Vollmer’s records from the Berlin document center’s SS collections. This includes the pertinent document that shows his entry into the party in 1937 and contains the pages from the Dienstalterliste der Schutzstaffel der NSDAP for 1938 and 1944. It also has a picture of Herbert.

PRICE: SOLD

 

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Contact Us

Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.

Please E-mail for any additional information you may need.

If you prefer, contact 'Germania' at PO Box 68, Lakemont, GA 30552
or call at 706.782.1668.


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